AN - Ch 6,7,8,9

A patient who has just started taking sustained-release morphine sulfate (MS Contin) for chronic arthritic joint pain after a traumatic injury reports nausea and abdominal fullness. Which action should the nurse take initially? a. Administer the ordered antiemetic medication. b. Order the patient a clear liquid diet until the nausea decreases. c. Tell the patient that the nausea should subside in about a week. d. Consult with the health care provider about using a different opioid.

A Nausea is frequently experienced with the initiation of opioid therapy, and antiemetics usually are prescribed to treat this expected side effect. The best choice would be to administer the antiemetic medication so the patient can eat. There is no indication that a different opioid is needed, although if the nausea persists, the health care provider may order a change of opioid. Although tolerance develops and the nausea will subside in about a week, it is not appropriate to allow the patient to continue to be nauseated. A clear liquid diet may decrease the nausea but may not provide needed nutrients for injury healing

A patient who uses a fentanyl (Duragesic) patch for chronic abdominal pain caused by ovarian cancer asks the nurse to administer the prescribed hydrocodone tablets, but the patient is asleep when the nurse returns with the medication. Which action is best for the nurse to take? a. Wake the patient and administer the hydrocodone. b. Suggest the use of nondrug therapies for pain relief. c. Wait until the patient wakes up and reassess the pain. d. Consult with the health care provider about the fentanyl dose.

ANS: A Because patients with chronic pain frequently use withdrawal and decreased activity as coping mechanisms for pain, sleep is not an indicator that the patient is pain free. The nurse should wake the patient and administer the hydrocodone.

. A patient with chronic back pain has learned to control the pain with the use of imagery and hypnosis. The patient's spouse asks the nurse how these techniques work. Which response by the nurse is accurate? a. "The strategies work by affecting the perception of pain." b. "These techniques block the pain pathways of the nerves." c. "These strategies prevent transmission of stimuli from the back to the brain." d. "The therapies slow the release of chemicals in the spinal cord that cause pain."

ANS: A Cognitive therapies affect the perception of pain by the brain rather than affecting efferent or afferent pathways or influencing the release of chemical transmitters in the dorsal horn

A middle-aged patient tells the nurse, "My mother died 2 months ago. I have been thinking about all the good times we shared together every day." What type of grief is the patient describing? a. Adaptive grieving b. Anticipatory grief c. Dysfunctional reactions d. Prolonged grief disorder

ANS: A The patient should be reassured that grieving activities such as frequent thoughts about the deceased are considered a normal part of adaptive grieving. Dysfunctional reactions include severe emotional reactions. Prolonged grief lasts longer than 6 months. Anticipatory grief occurs before the death event.

Which patient should the nurse refer for hospice care? a. A 40-yr-old patient with AIDS-related dementia who needs pain management b. A 70-yr-old patient with lymphoma who is unable to discuss issues related to dying c. A 60-yr-old patient with chronic severe pain because of spinal arthritis and vertebral collapse d. A 50-yr-old patient with advanced liver failure whose family can no longer provide care at home

ANS: A Hospice is designed to provide care such as symptom management and pain control for patients at the end of life. Patients who require more care than the family can provide, whose families are unable to discuss important issues related to dying, or who have severe pain are candidates for other nursing services but are not appropriate hospice patients.

The nurse is teaching a patient how to use imagery as a relaxation technique for managing workplace stress. Which statement by the nurse would be appropriate? a. "Think of a place where you feel peaceful and comfortable." b. "Place the stress in your life into an image that you can destroy." c. "Repeatedly visualize yourself experiencing the distress in your workplace." d. "Bring what you hear and sense in your work environment into your image."

ANS: A Imagery is the use of one's mind to generate images that have a calming effect on the body. When using imagery for relaxation, the patient should visualize a comfortable and peaceful place. The goal is to offer a relaxing retreat from the actual work environment. Imagery that is not intended for relaxation purposes can target a disease, problem, or stressor.

What teaching should be included in the plan of care for a patient with narcolepsy? a. Driving an automobile may be possible with appropriate treatment of narcolepsy. b. Changes in sleep hygiene are ineffective in improving sleep quality in narcolepsy. c. Antidepressant drugs are prescribed to treat the depression caused by the disorder. d. Stimulant drugs should be used for less than a month because of the risk for abuse

ANS: A The accident rate FOR patients with narcolepsy who are receiving appropriate treatment is similar to the general population. Stimulant medications are used on an ongoing basis for patients with narcolepsy. The purpose of antidepressant drugs in the treatment of narcolepsy is the management of cataplexy, not to treat depression. Changes in sleep hygiene are recommended for patients with narcolepsy to improve sleep quality.

A patient who is using both a fentanyl (Duragesic) patch and immediate-release morphine for chronic cancer pain develops new-onset confusion, dizziness, and a decrease in respiratory rate. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Remove the fentanyl patch. b. Obtain complete vital signs. c. Notify the health care provider. d. Administer prescribed PRN naloxone

ANS: A The assessment data indicate a possible overdose of opioid. The first action should be to remove the patch. Naloxone administration in a patient who has been chronically using opioids can precipitate withdrawal and would not be the first action. Notification of the health care provider and continued monitoring are also needed, but the patient's data indicate that more rapid action is needed. The respiratory rate alone is an indicator for immediate action before obtaining blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.

An adult patient who is hospitalized after a motorcycle crash tells the nurse, "I didn't sleep last night because I worried about missing work at my new job and losing my insurance coverage." Which patient problem is appropriate to include in the plan of care? a. Anxiety b. Difficulty coping c. Disturbed body image d. Knowledge deficit

ANS: A The information about the patient indicates that anxiety is the most appropriate current patient problem. The patient data do not support difficulty coping, knowledge deficit, or disturbed body image as problems for this patient.

The nurse admits a terminally ill patient to the hospital. What is the first action that the nurse should plan to complete? a. Determine the patient's wishes about end-of-life care. b. Discuss the normal grief process with the patient and family. c. Emphasize the importance of addressing any family concerns. d. Encourage the patient to talk about fears or unresolved issues.

ANS: A The nurse's initial action should be to assess the patient's wishes at this time. The other actions may be implemented if the patient or the family express a desire to discuss fears, understand the grief process, or address family issues, but they should not be implemented until the assessment indicates that they are appropriate.

The nurse is caring for a terminally ill patient who is experiencing continuous and severe pain. How should the nurse schedule the administration of opioid pain medications? a. Plan around-the-clock routine administration of prescribed analgesics. b. Provide PRN doses of medication whenever the patient requests them. c. Suggest small analgesic doses to avoid decreasing the respiratory rate. d. Offer enough pain medication to keep the patient sedated and unaware of stimuli.

ANS: A The principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence indicate that the goal of pain management in a terminally ill patient is adequate pain relief even if the effect of pain medications could hasten death. Administration of analgesics on a PRN basis will not provide the consistent level of analgesia the patient needs. Patients usually do not require so much pain medication that they are oversedated and unaware of stimuli. Adequate pain relief may require a dosage that will result in a decrease in respiratory rate.

When caring for patients with sleep disorders, which activity can the nurse appropriately delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? a. Assist a patient to choose a new CPAP mask. b. Help a patient to put on the CPAP device at bedtime. c. Interview a patient about risk factors for obstructive sleep disorders. d. Discuss the benefits of oral appliances in decreasing obstructive sleep apnea

ANS: B Because a CPAP mask is worn consistently in the same way and will have been previously fitted by a licensed health professional, a UAP can assist the patient with putting the mask on. The other actions require critical thinking and nursing judgment by the RN.

Which action should the nurse take first to ensure culturally competent care for an alert, terminally ill Filipino patient? a. Let the family decide how to tell the patient about the terminal diagnosis. b. Ask the patient and family about their preferences for care during this time. c. Obtain information from Filipino staff members about possible cultural needs. d. Remind family members that dying patients may want to have them at the bedside.

ANS: B Because cultural beliefs may vary among people of the same ethnicity, the nurse's best action is to assess the expectations of both the patient and family. The other actions may be appropriate, but the nurse can only plan for individualized culturally competent care after assessment of this patient and family

Which question asked by the nurse will give the most information about the patient's metastatic bone cancer pain? a. "How long have you had this pain?" b. "How would you describe your pain?" c. "How often do you take pain medication?" d. "How much medication do you take for the pain?"

ANS: B Because pain is a multidimensional experience, asking a question that addresses the patient's experience with the pain will elicit more information than the more specific information asked in the other three responses. All these questions are appropriate, but the response beginning "How would you describe your pain?" is the best initial question.

Which patient statement indicates a need for further teaching about extended-release zolpidem (Ambien CR)? a. "I should take the medication on an empty stomach." b. "I will take the medication 1 to 2 hours before bedtime." c. "I should not take this medication unless I can sleep for at least 6 hours." d. "I will schedule activities that require mental alertness for later in the day."

ANS: B Benzodiazepine receptor agonists such as zolpidem work quickly and should be taken immediately before bedtime. The other patient statements are correct.

A patient who has fibromyalgia reports pain at level 7 (0 to 10 scale). The patient tells the nurse, "I feel depressed because I ache too much to play golf." Which patient goal has the highest priority when the nurse is developing the treatment plan? a. The patient will report pain at a level 2 of 10. b. The patient will be able to play a round of golf. c. The patient will exhibit fewer signs of depression. d. The patient will say that the aching has decreased.

ANS: B For chronic pain, patients are encouraged to set functional goals such as being able to perform daily activities and hobbies. The patient has identified playing golf as the desired activity, so a pain level of 2 of 10 or a decrease in aching would be less useful in evaluating successful treatment. The nurse should also assess for depression, but the patient has identified the depression as being due to the inability to play golf, so the goal of being able to play golf is the most appropriate.

An obese female patient who had enjoyed active outdoor activities is stressed because osteoarthritis in her hips now limits her activity. Which action by the nurse will best assist the patient to cope with this situation? a. Have the patient practice frequent relaxation breathing. b. Encourage the patient to lose weight to improve symptoms. c. Ask the patient what outdoor activities she misses the most. d. Teach the patient to use imagery for reducing pain and stress

ANS: B For problems that can be changed or controlled, problem-focused coping strategies, such as encouraging the patient to lose weight, are most helpful. The other strategies also may assist the patient in coping with her problem, but they will not be as helpful as a problem-focused strategy

A hospice nurse who has become close to a terminally ill patient is present in the home when the patient dies and feels saddened and tearful as the family members begin to cry. Which action should the nurse take at this time? a. Contact a grief counselor as soon as possible. b. Cry along with the patient's family members. c. Leave the home quickly to allow the family to grieve privately. d. Consider leaving hospice work because patient losses are common.

ANS: B It is appropriate for the nurse to cry and express sadness in other ways when a patient dies, and the family is likely to feel that this is supportive. Contacting a grief counselor, leaving the family to grieve privately, and considering whether hospice continues to be a satisfying place to work are all appropriate actions as well, but the nurse's initial action at this time should be to share the grieving process with the family

The nurse cares for an unstable patient in the intensive care unit (ICU). Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care to improve this patient's sleep quality? a. Ask all visitors to leave the hospital for the night. b. Lower the level of lighting from 8:00 PM until 7:00 AM. c. Avoid the use of opioids for pain relief during the evening. d. Schedule assessments to allow 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

ANS: B Lowering the level of light will help mimic normal day/night patterns and maximize the opportunity for sleep. Although frequent assessments and opioid use can disturb sleep patterns, these actions are necessary for the care of unstable patients. For some patients, having a family member or friend at the bedside may decrease anxiety and improve sleep.

Which nursing action could the nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) when caring for a patient who is using a fentanyl (Duragesic) patch and a heating pad for treatment of chronic back pain? a. Check the skin under the heating pad. b. Count the respiratory rate every 2 hours. c. Ask the patient whether pain control is effective. d. Monitor sedation using the sedation assessment scale.

ANS: B Obtaining the respiratory rate is included in UAP education and scope of practice. Assessment for sedation, pain control, and skin integrity requires more education and scope of practice

A patient with a deep partial thickness burn has been receiving hydromorphone through patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for 1 week. The nurse caring for the patient during the previous shift reports that the patient wakes up frequently during the night reporting pain. What action by the nurse is appropriate? a. Administer a dose of morphine every 1 to 2 hours from the PCA machine while the patient is sleeping. b. Consult with the health care provider about using a different treatment protocol to control the patient's pain. c. Request that the health care provider order a bolus dose of morphine to be given when the patient awakens with pain. d. Teach the patient to push the button every 10 minutes for an hour before going to sleep, even if the pain is minimal.

ANS: B PCAs are best for controlling acute pain. This patient's history indicates a need for a pain management plan that will provide adequate analgesia while the patient is sleeping. Administering a dose of morphine when the patient already has severe pain will not address the problem. Teaching the patient to administer unneeded medication before going to sleep can result in oversedation and respiratory depression. It is illegal for the nurse to administer the morphine for a patient through PCA.

Which action should the nurse manager promote as an evidence-based practice to support alertness for night shift nurses? a. Arrange for older staff members to work most night shifts. b. Provide a sleeping area for staff to use for napping at night. c. Post reminders about the relationship of sleep and alertness. d. Schedule nursing staff to rotate day and night shifts monthly

ANS: B Short onsite naps will improve alertness. Rotating shifts causes the most disruption in sleep habits. Reminding staff members about the impact of lack of sleep on alertness will not improve sleep or alertness. It is not feasible to schedule nurses based on their ages.

A young adult patient with metastatic cancer, who is very close to death, appears restless. The patient keeps repeating, "I am not ready to die." Which action by the nurse would show respect for the patient? a. Remind the patient that no one feels ready for death. b. Sit at the bedside and ask if there is anything the patient needs. c. Insist that family members remain at the bedside with the patient. d. Tell the patient that everything possible is being done to delay death.

ANS: B Staying at the bedside and listening allows the patient to discuss any unresolved issues or physical discomforts that should be addressed. Stating that no one feels ready for death does not address the patient's concerns. Telling the patient that everything is being done does not address the patient's fears about dying, especially because the patient is likely to die soon. Family members may not feel comfortable staying at the bedside of a dying patient, and the nurse should not insist that they stay there.

The nurse is caring for an adolescent patient who is dying. The patient's parents are interested in organ donation and ask the nurse how the health care providers determine brain death. Which response by the nurse accurately describes brain death determination? a. "If CPR does not restore a heartbeat, the brain cannot function any longer." b. "Brain death has occurred if there is not any breathing or brainstem reflexes." c. "Brain death has occurred if a person has flaccid muscles and does not awaken." d. "If respiratory efforts cease and no apical pulse is audible, brain death is present."

ANS: B The diagnosis of brain death is based on irreversible loss of all brain functions, including brainstem functions that control respirations and brainstem reflexes. The other descriptions describe other clinical manifestations associated with death but are insufficient to declare a patient brain dead

The nurse assesses that a home hospice patient with terminal cancer who reports severe pain has a respiratory rate of 11 breaths/min. Which action should the nurse take? a. Tell the patient that increasing the morphine will cause the respiratory drive to fail. b. Titrate the prescribed morphine dose up until the patient indicates adequate pain relief. c. Inform the patient that more morphine can be given if the respiratory rate is at least 12. d. Administer a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) to improve patient pain control.

ANS: B The goal of opioid use in terminally ill patients is effective pain relief regardless of adverse effects such as respiratory depression. A nonopioid analgesic such as ibuprofen would not provide adequate analgesia or be absorbed quickly. The rule of double effect provides ethical justification for administering an increased morphine dose to provide effective pain control even though the morphine may further decrease the patient's respiratory rate.

What is the first action the nurse should take in addressing a patient's concerns about insomnia and daytime fatigue? a. Suggest that the patient decrease caffeine intake. b. Question the patient about sleep and rest patterns. c. Recommend to use any prescribed sleep aids for no more than 2 weeks. d. Advise the patient to get out of bed if unable to fall asleep in 20 minutes

ANS: B The nurse's first action should be assessment of the patient related to current sleep and rest. The other actions may be appropriate, but assessment is needed first to choose appropriate interventions to improve the patient's sleep

A patient with sleep apnea who uses a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device is preparing to have inpatient surgery. Which instructions should the nurse provide to the patient? a. Schedule a preoperative sleep study. b. Take your home device to the hospital. c. Expect intubation with mechanical ventilation after surgery. d. Avoid requesting pain medication while you are hospitalized

ANS: B The patient should be told to take the CPAP device to the hospital if an overnight stay is expected. Many patients will be able to use their own CPAP equipment. Patients should be treated for pain and monitored for respiratory depression. Another sleep study is not required before surgery. A person with sleep apnea would not routinely be expected to require postoperative intubation and mechanical ventilation.

A patient who has been diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer and has a poor prognosis plans a trip across the country "to settle some issues with family members." The nurse recognizes that the patient is manifesting which psychosocial response to death? a. Protesting the unfairness of death b. Anxiety about unfinished business c. Fear of having lived a meaningless life d. Restlessness about the uncertain prognosis

ANS: B The patient's statement indicates that there is some unfinished family business that the patient would like to address before dying. There is no indication that the patient is protesting the prognosis, feels uncertain about the prognosis, or fears that life has been meaningless.

A patient with chronic insomnia asks the nurse about ways to improve sleep quality. Which response by the nurse is accurate? a. "Avoid exercising during the day." b. "Keep the bedroom temperature warm." c. "Read in bed for a few minutes each night." d. "Go to bed at the same time every evening

ANS: D A regular evening schedule is recommended to improve sleep time and quality. Aerobic exercise may improve sleep quality but should occur at least 6 hours before bedtime. Reading in bed is discouraged for patients with insomnia. The bedroom temperature should be slightly cool.

. An adult patient who arrived at the triage desk in the emergency department (ED) with minor facial lacerations after a motor vehicle accident has a blood pressure (BP) of 182/94. Which action by the nurse is appropriate? a. Start an IV line to administer antihypertensive medications. b. Recheck the blood pressure after the patient has been assessed. c. Discuss the need for hospital admission to control blood pressure. d. Teach the patient about the stroke risk associated with hypertension.

ANS: B When a patient experiences an acute stressor, the BP increases. The nurse should plan to recheck the BP after the patient has stabilized and received treatment. This will provide a more accurate indication of the patient's usual blood pressure. Elevated BP that occurs in response to acute stress does not increase the risk for health problems such as stroke, indicate a need for hospitalization, or indicate a need for IV antihypertensive medications.

The son of a dying patient tells the nurse, "Mother doesn't respond any more when I visit. I don't think she knows that I am here." Which response by the nurse is appropriate? a. "Cut back your visits for now to avoid overtiring your mother." b. "Withdrawal can be a normal response in the process of dying." c. "Most dying patients don't know what is going on around them." d. "It is important to stimulate your mother so she can't retreat from you."

ANS: B Withdrawal is a normal psychosocial response to approaching death. Dying patients may maintain the ability to hear while not being able to respond. Stimulation will tire the patient and is not an appropriate response to withdrawal in this circumstance. Visitors are encouraged to be "present" with the patient, talking softly and making physical contact in a way that does not demand a response from the patient.

The nurse reviews the medication orders for an older patient with arthritis in both hips who reports level 3 (0 to 10 scale) hip pain while ambulating. Which medication should the nurse offer as initial therapy? a. Naproxen 200 mg orally b. Oxycodone 5 mg orally c. Acetaminophen 650 mg orally d. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) 650 mg orally

ANS: C Acetaminophen is the best first-choice medication. The principle of "start low, go slow" is used to guide therapy when treating older adults because the ability to metabolize medications is decreased and the likelihood of medication interactions is increased. Nonopioid analgesics are used first for mild to moderate pain, although opioids may be used later. Aspirin and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are associated with a high incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in older patients.

A nurse prepares an adult patient with a severe burn injury for a dressing change. The nurse plans to try providing music to help the patient relax. Which action is best for the nurse to take? a. Use music composed by Mozart. b. Play music that does not have words. c. Ask the patient about music preferences. d. Select music that has 60 to 80 beats/minute

ANS: C Although music with 60 to 80 beats/min, music without words, and music composed by Mozart are frequently recommended to reduce stress, each patient responds individually to music and personal preferences are important

A female patient who initially came to the clinic with incontinence was recently diagnosed with endometrial cancer. She is usually well organized and calm, but the nurse who is giving her preoperative instructions observes that the patient is irritable, has difficulty concentrating, and yells at her husband. Which action should the nurse take? a. Ask the health care provider for a psychiatric referral. b. Focus teaching on preventing postoperative complications. c. Try to calm the patient before repeating information about the surgical process. d. Encourage the patient to combine the hysterectomy surgery with bladder repair.

ANS: C Because behavioral responses to stress include temporary changes such as irritability, changes in memory, and poor concentration, patient teaching will need to be repeated. It is also important to try to calm the patient by listening to her concerns and fears. Psychiatric referral will not necessarily be needed for her but that can better be evaluated after surgery. Focusing on postoperative care does not address the need for preoperative instruction such as the procedure, NPO instructions before surgery, date and time of surgery, medications to be taken or discontinued before surgery, and so on. The issue of incontinence is not immediately relevant in the discussion of preoperative teaching for her hysterectomy

The nurse is caring for an unresponsive terminally ill patient who has 20-second periods of apnea followed by periods of deep and rapid breathing. Which action by the nurse would be appropriate? a. Suction the patient's mouth. b. Administer oxygen via face mask. c. Document Cheyne-Stokes respirations. d. Place the patient in high Fowler's position.

ANS: C Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by periods of apnea alternating with deep and rapid breaths. Cheyne-Stokes respirations are expected in the last days of life and are not position dependent. There is also no need for supplemental oxygen by face mask or suctioning the patient.

A nurse assesses a patient with chronic cancer pain who is receiving imipramine (Tofranil) in addition to long-acting morphine (MS Contin). Which statement, if made by the patient, indicates to the nurse that the patient is receiving adequate pain control? a. "I'm not anxious during the day." b. "Every night I get 8 hours of sleep." c. "I can accomplish activities without much discomfort." d. "I feel less depressed since I've been taking the Tofranil."

ANS: C Imipramine is being used in this patient to manage chronic pain and improve functional ability. Although the medication is also prescribed for patients with depression, insomnia, and anxiety, the evaluation for this patient is based on improved pain control and activity level.

The nurse teaches a student nurse about the action of ibuprofen. Which statement, if made by the student, indicates that teaching was effective? a. "The drug decreases pain impulses in the spinal cord." b. "The drug decreases sensitivity of the brain to painful stimuli." c. "The drug decreases production of pain-sensitizing chemicals." d. "The drug decreases the modulating effect of descending nerves."

ANS: C Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provide analgesic effects by decreasing the production of pain-sensitizing chemicals such as prostaglandins at the site of injury. Transmission of impulses through the spinal cord, brain sensitivity to pain, and the descending nerve pathways are not affected by NSAIDs

A patient is extremely anxious a few minutes before having a biopsy on a femoral lymph node. Which technique should the nurse recommend that the patient use during the procedure? a. Yoga stretching b. Guided imagery c. Relaxation breathing d. Mindfulness meditation

ANS: C Relaxation breathing is an easy relaxation technique to teach and use. The patient should remain still during the biopsy and not move or stretch any of his extremities. Meditation and guided imagery require more time to practice and learn.

A patient reports difficulty falling asleep and daytime fatigue for the past 6 weeks. What is the best initial action for the nurse to take in determining whether this patient has chronic insomnia? a. Schedule a polysomnograph (PSG). b. Teach the patient about good sleep hygiene. c. Ask the patient to keep a 2-week sleep diary. d. Arrange for the patient to have a sleep study.

ANS: C The diagnosis of insomnia is made on the basis of subjective reports and an evaluation of a 1- to 2-week sleep diary completed by the patient. PSG studies or sleep studies may be used for determining specific sleep disorders but are not necessary to make an initial insomnia diagnosis. Teaching the patient good sleep habits may be useful, but that will not help to assess for chronic insomnia.

A patient who has frequent migraines tells the nurse, "My life feels chaotic and out of control. I could not manage if anything else happens." Which response should the nurse make initially? a. "Regular exercise may get your mind off the pain." b. "Guided imagery can be helpful in regaining control." c. "Tell me more about how your life has been recently." d. "Your previous coping resources can be helpful to you now."

ANS: C The nurse's initial strategy should be further assessment of the stressors in the patient's life. Exercise, guided imagery, or understanding how to use coping strategies that worked in the past may be of assistance to the patient, but more assessment is needed before the nurse can determine this.

Which information regarding a patient's sleep is most important for the nurse to communicate to the health care provider? a. A 21-yr-old student who takes melatonin to assist in sleeping when traveling from the United States to Europe b. A 64-yr-old nurse who works the night shift reports drinking hot chocolate before going to bed in the morning c. A 41-yr-old librarian who has a body mass index (BMI) of 42 kg/m2 says that the spouse complains about snoring d. A 32-yr-old accountant who is experiencing a stressful week uses diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for several nights

ANS: C The patient's BMI and snoring suggest possible sleep apnea, which can cause complications such as dysrhythmias, hypertension, and right-sided heart failure. Melatonin is safe to use as a therapy for jet lag. Short-term use of diphenhydramine in young adults is not a concern. Hot chocolate contains only 5 mg of caffeine and is unlikely to affect this patient's sleep quality.

. Which medication should the nurse administer for a patient with cancer who describes the pain as "deep, aching and at a level 8 on a 0 to 10 scale"? a. Ketorolac tablets b. Fentanyl (Duragesic) patch c. Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) IV d. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) suppository

ANS: C The patient's pain level indicates that a rapidly acting medication such as an IV opioid is needed. The other medications may also be appropriate to use at other times but will not work as rapidly or as effectively as the IV hydromorphone.

A patient with terminal cancer-related pain and a history of opioid abuse reports breakthrough pain 2 hours before the next dose of sustained-release morphine sulfate (MS Contin) is due. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Use distraction by talking about things the patient enjoys. b. Suggest the use of alternative therapies such as heat or cold. c. Administer the prescribed PRN immediate-acting morphine. d. Consult with the doctor about increasing the MS Contin dose.

ANS: C The patient's pain requires rapid treatment, and the nurse should administer the immediate-acting morphine. Increasing the MS Contin dose and use of alternative therapies and distraction may also be needed, but the initial action should be to use the prescribed analgesic medications.

A patient who had abdominal surgery yesterday is receiving morphine through patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). What action by the nurse is a priority? a. Assessing for nausea b. Auscultating bowel sounds c. Checking the respiratory rate d. Evaluating for sacral redness

ANS: C The patient's respiratory rate is the highest priority of care while using PCA medication because of the possible respiratory depression. The other areas also require assessment but do not reflect immediately life-threatening complications.

The nurse on a surgical inpatient unit is caring for several patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first? a. Patient with postoperative pain who received morphine sulfate IV 15 minutes ago. b. Patient who received hydromorphone (Dilaudid) 1 hour ago and is currently asleep c. Patient who was treated for pain just prior to return from the postanesthesia care unit. d. Patient with neuropathic pain who is scheduled to receive a dose of hydrocodone (Lortab) now

ANS: C The risk for oversedation is greatest in the first 4 hours after transfer from the postanesthesia care unit. Patients should be reassessed 30 minutes after receiving IV opioids for pain. A scheduled oral medication does not need to be administered exactly at the scheduled time. A patient who falls asleep after pain medication can be allowed to rest.

The nurse is caring for a patient with lung cancer in a home hospice program. Which action by the nurse is appropriate? a. Discuss cancer risk factors and appropriate lifestyle modifications. b. Teach the patient about the purpose of chemotherapy and radiation. c. Encourage the patient to discuss past life events and their meanings. d. Accomplish a thorough head-to-toe assessment several times a week

ANS: C The role of the hospice nurse includes assisting the patient with the important end-of-life task of finding meaning in the patient's life. Frequent head-to-toe assessments are not needed for hospice patients and may tire the patient unnecessarily. Patients admitted to hospice forego curative treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation for lung cancer. Discussion of cancer risk factors and therapies is not appropriate.

A patient who is receiving sustained-release morphine sulfate (MS Contin) every 12 hours for chronic pain experiences level 9 (0 to 10 scale) breakthrough pain and anxiety. Which action by the nurse is appropriate for treating this change in assessment? a. Administer lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg orally. b. Give ibuprofen 400 to 800 mg orally. c. Offer immediate-release morphine 30 mg orally. d. Suggest the patient take amitriptyline 10 mg orally

ANS: C The severe breakthrough pain indicates that the initial therapy should be a rapidly acting opioid, such as the immediate-release morphine. Lorazepam and amitriptyline may be appropriate to use as adjuvant therapy, but they are not likely to block severe breakthrough pain. Use of antianxiety agents for pain control is inappropriate because this patient's anxiety is caused by the pain.

The nurse is completing the medication reconciliation form for a patient admitted with chronic cancer pain. Which medication is of most concern to the nurse? a. Amitriptyline 50 mg at bedtime b. Ibuprofen 800 mg 3 times daily c. Oxycodone (OxyContin) 80 mg twice daily d. Meperidine (Demerol) 25 mg every 4 hours

ANS: D Meperidine is contraindicated for chronic pain because it forms a metabolite that is neurotoxic and can cause seizures when used for prolonged periods. The ibuprofen, amitriptyline, and oxycodone are appropriate medications for long-term pain management.

A patient who has had good control for chronic pain using a fentanyl (Duragesic) patch reports rapid onset pain at a level 9 (0 to 10 scale) and requests "something for pain that will work quickly." How will the nurse document the type of pain reported by this patient? a. Somatic pain b. Referred pain c. Neuropathic pain d. Breakthrough pain

ANS: D Pain that occurs beyond the chronic pain already being treated by appropriate analgesics is termed breakthrough pain. Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to peripheral nerves or the central nervous system. Somatic pain is localized and arises from bone, joint, muscle, skin, or connective tissue. Referred pain is pain that is localized in uninjured tissue.

A patient with chronic neck pain is seen in the clinic for follow-up. To evaluate whether the pain management is effective, which question is best for the nurse to ask? a. "Has there been a change in pain location?" b. "Can you describe the quality of your pain?" c. "How would you rate your pain on a 0 to 10 scale?" d. "Does pain keep you from activities that you enjoy?"

ANS: D The goal for the treatment of chronic pain usually is to enhance function and quality of life. The other questions are also appropriate to ask, but information about patient function is more useful in evaluating effectiveness

. A middle-aged male patient with usually well-controlled hypertension and diabetes visits the clinic. Today he has a blood pressure of 174/94 mm Hg and a blood glucose level of 190 mg/dL. What patient information may indicate that additional intervention by the nurse is needed? a. The patient indicates that he monitors his blood glucose several times each day. b. The patient states that he takes his prescribed antihypertensive medications daily. c. The patient reveals that both of his parents have high blood pressure and diabetes. d. The patient reports that he and his wife are disputing custody of their 8-yr-old son.

ANS: D The increase in blood pressure and glucose levels possibly suggests that stress caused by his divorce and custody battle may be adversely affecting his health. The nurse should assess this further and develop an appropriate plan to assist the patient in decreasing his stress. Although he has been very compliant with his treatment plan in the past, the nurse should assess whether the stress in his life is interfering with his management of his health problems. The family history will not necessarily explain why he has had changes in his blood pressure and glucose levels.

A patient with terminal cancer is being admitted to a family-centered inpatient hospice. The patient's spouse visits daily and cheerfully talks with the patient about wedding anniversary plans for the next year. When the nurse asks about any concerns, the spouse says, "I'm busy at work, but otherwise things are fine." Which issue would the nurse identify as a concern in working with the patient's spouse? a. Fear b. Anxiety c. Hopelessness d. Difficulty coping

ANS: D The spouse's behavior and statements indicate the absence of anticipatory grieving, which may lead to impaired adjustment as the patient progresses toward death. The spouse does not appear to feel fearful, hopeless, or anxious.

A patient in hospice is manifesting a decrease in all body system functions except for a heart rate of 124 beats/min and a respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min. Which statement would be accurate for the nurse to make to the patient's family? a. "These vital signs will continue to increase until death finally occurs." b. "These vital signs demonstrate the body's ability to compensate and heal." c. "These vital signs are an expected response now but will slow down later." d. "These vital signs may indicate an improvement in the patient's condition."

C An increase in heart and respiratory rate may occur before the slowing of these functions in a dying patient. Heart and respiratory rate typically slow as the patient progresses further toward death. In a dying patient, high respiratory and pulse rates do not indicate improvement or compensation, and it would be inappropriate for the nurse to indicate this to the family.

The health care provider has prescribed the following medications for a middle-aged patient who uses long-acting morphine (MS Contin) for chronic back pain but still has ongoing pain. Which medication should the nurse question? a. Morphine b. Dexamethasone c. Pentazocine (Talwin) d. Celecoxib (Celebrex)

C Opioid agonist-antagonists can precipitate withdrawal if used in a patient who is physically dependent on mu agonist drugs such as morphine. The other medications are appropriate for chronic back pain.

A hospitalized patient with diabetes tells the nurse, "I don't understand why I can keep my blood sugar under control at home with diet alone, but when I get sick, my blood sugar goes up. This is so frustrating." Which response by the nurse is accurate? a. "The liver is not able to metabolize glucose as well during stressful times." b. "Your diet at the hospital is the most likely cause of the increased glucose." c. "The stress of illness causes release of hormones that increase blood glucose." d. "It is probably coincidental that your blood glucose is higher when you are ill."

C The release of cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine increase blood glucose levels. The increase in blood glucose is not coincidental. The liver does not control blood glucose. A patient with diabetes who is hospitalized will be on an appropriate diet to help control blood glucose

A patient receiving epidural morphine has not voided for over 10 hours. What action should the nurse take first? a. Place an indwelling urinary catheter. b. Monitor for signs of narcotic overdose. c. Ask if the patient feels the need to void. d. Encourage the patient to drink more fluid

C Urinary retention is a common side effect of epidural opioids. Assess whether the patient feels the need to void. Because urinary retention is a possible side effect, there is no reason for concern of overdose symptoms. Placing an indwelling catheter requires an order from the health care provider. Usually an in-and-out catheter is performed to empty the bladder if the patient is unable to void because of the risk of infection with an indwelling catheter. Encouraging oral fluids may lead to bladder distention if the patient is unable to void but might be useful if a patient who is able to void has a fluid deficit.

. As the nurse admits a patient in end-stage renal disease to the hospital, the patient tells the nurse, "If my heart or breathing stop, I do not want to be resuscitated." Which action should the nurse take first? a. Place a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) notation in the patient's care plan. b. Invite the patient to add a notarized advance directive in the health record. c. Advise the patient to designate a person to make future health care decisions. d. Ask if the decision has been discussed with the patient's health care provider.

D A health care provider's order should be written describing the actions that the nurses should take if the patient requires CPR, but the primary right to decide belongs to the patient or family. The nurse should document the patient's request but does not have the authority to place the DNR order in the care plan. A notarized advance directive is not needed to establish the patient's wishes. The patient may need a durable power of attorney for health care (or the equivalent), but this does not address the patient's current concern with possible resuscitation.

The nurse is caring for a patient who has diabetes and reports chronic, burning leg pain even when taking oxycodone (OxyContin) twice daily. Which prescribed medication is the best choice for the nurse to administer as an adjuvant to decrease the patient's pain? a. Aspirin b. Amitriptyline c. Celecoxib (Celebrex) d. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

d. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) ANS: B The patient's pain symptoms are consistent with neuropathic pain and the tricyclic antidepressants are effective for treating this type of pain. The other medications are more effective for nociceptive pain.